No history of Vernon county,
especially that part which refers more particularly to the town of
Nevada, would be complete without mention of the name of Thomas H.
Austin, for his connection with its affairs dates back to a period which
only a few can remember, when Vernon county was a wilderness and its
inhabitants few and far between. He came originally from East
Tennessee, Anderson county, where he was born July 28, 1818, the oldest
of eight children, four boys and four girls, which blessed the union of
Daniel and Nancy Austin, nee Edwards. The latter was born in Maryland.
Daniel Austin was a native of Green county, Ky., though he afterwards
lived in Alabama, and finally moved to Putnam county, Ind., from whence
in 1835 he came to Missouri, settling in what was then Pulaski but is
now Miller county. This was his home until going to Buchanan county,
and some five years later, or in 1846, he came to Vernon county,
continuing to live here until his death. He wife also passed away in
this county. Thomas H. Austin was brought up on the old homestead and
very naturally acquired a knowledge of agricultural pursuits. His
educational advantages, however, were somewhat limited, owing to the
scarcity of schools in that early day. He accompanied his father on the
various moves made by that person, as already enumerated, and finally in
1846 took up his residence in this county, which has since been proud to
own him as one of her citizens. Upon his location here he entered 240
acres of land and 40 acres of this tract were afterwards taken for the
site upon which Nevada now stands. Some little idea can therefore be
formed of the part which Mr. Austin has taken in the up-building and
growth of Vernon county. In 1869 he moved to a place on Osage river,
known as Belvoir, and for 10 years conducted a ferry across the river at
that point. In 1879 he moved into Nevada, where he has since remained.
He was the first postmaster of the place then called “Haletown,” and for
some years filled the position of justice of the peace, also serving as
coroner of Bates county for two years. Though not a political aspirant
he was never found wanting in the discharge of the duties of those
positions to which he was called. In April, 1841, Mr. Austin was
married to Miss Louisa Blevans, a native of Alabama, and daughter of
Stephen A. Blevans. Seven children which have been born to them are now
deceased. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the
Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. Of late years Mr. Austin has
retired from the active duties of every-day life, after a lifetime spent
in earnest, sincere toil. He still owns 100 acres of land adjoining the
city and is in the enjoyment of a competency which years of industry
have awarded him. His acquaintance throughout the county is almost
unlimited, and those who know him best enjoy the friendship of a man in
very sense of the term. His reserved and unassuming disposition,
together with his true worth, have caused him to be placed among the
representative citizens of Nevada.